Preseason All-State: Pitcher Analysis

On Feb. 10, PBR Illinois hosted one of its biggest showcases on its annual calendar: Preseason All-State. This invite-only showcase brings together the state’s best talent in its 2020 class, and all that talent was certainly on display at The MAX last month. Well over 100 of Illinois’ best juniors made it to McCook on Sunday, many of whom remain uncommitted.

We’ll continue our position-by-position analysis by ranking and evaluating the pitchers invited out to last month’s high-profile showcase.

And there’s no better place to start than with De La Salle’s Ben Hernandez (Illinois-Chicago), whose bullpen forced him onto radars as an MLB Draft prospect. There were myriad next-level arms at The MAX last month, but Hernandez was a cut above. At the invite-only event, the 6-foot-2 righty sat in the 93-94 mph range with ease, mixing in a deceptive power changeup he placed at the bottom of the zone with feel. The biggest takeaway is that Hernandez was able to show more than just velocity, he demonstrated a feel to pitch, and with confidence.

The huge 6-foot-7 prospect from Prophetstown, Clayton Johnson, was another righty who significantly raised his profile at Preseason All-State. He showed a feel for three pitches, headlined by a lively fastball that touched 89 mph. Johnson’s offspeed sharpened up, too, since we last saw him.

And Lake Forest’s Breck Nowik is trending up, especially after an obviously diligent offseason, in which he tacked on the kind of muscle that’s helped his stuff tick up. The athletic 6-foot-2 righty touched 88 mph with a fastball featuring late run, and his tight curveball has real swing-and-miss potential.

Over the last 24 hours, we’ve published analysis on the showcase’s catchers, outfielders, and infielders. Check back tomorrow when we rank the top-25 overall performers at Preseason All-State.

For now, here’s all you need to know on the state’s top 2020 pitchers.

TOP PROSPECTS

1. Ben Hernandez, RHP, De La Salle, 2020
Illinois-Chicago commit. 6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, sturdy build on large frame. Tall and fall delivery is is level and on line, works easy while landing closed and athletic finish. Arm action is easy and electric, plus arm speed, high ¾ slot. Plus fastball, sat easy 93-94 mph, late heavy feel, works with arm side run. Changeup was a plus offering, fastball arm speed yields deception, plus feel and action to arm side, 84-87 mph. Curveball is tight and short, 11/5 shape, 76-79 mph, sharp action and feel. Premium starting pitchers profile, 2020 MLB draft prospect.

2. Clayton Johnson, RHP, Prophetstown, 2020
Illinois commit. 6-foot-7, 215-pound right-handed pitcher, extra-large frame, prototypical pitchers body. Easy delivery, high balance point, lands square and finishes balanced, showed ability to use slide step in the stretch. Arm action is long and loose, high ¾ slot, easy and projectable. Fastball showed life through the zone, sat 87-88 mph, touched 89 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, thrown aggressively, 74-76 mph, flashed depth. Advanced changeup, showed feel at the bottom of the zone, fastball arm speed, arm side sink at 78-80 mph.

3. Mason Burns, RHP, Normal Community, 2020
6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, solid thick build, durable body type. Smooth easy delivery, tall and fall type, lands square, stays on line, slide steps out of the stretch. Clean loose arm action, short draw, quick arm, early finish, high ¾ slot. Showed feel for three pitches. Fastball is straight, occasional late life, worked downhill at the bottom of the zone, 86-87 mph. Slider is sharp, fastball arm speed, downer action at times, good feel for the zone, 76-78 mph. Straight changeup flashed arm side action, fastball arm speed, 81-83 mph.

4. Ryan Manikowski, RHP, Providence Catholic, 2020
Creighton commit. 6-foot-0, 175-pound right-handed pitcher, lean wiry frame. Easy delivery, works to stay balanced, lands square, closed toe, slightly closed direction adds to deception. Arm action is long and loose, plus arm speed for his age, high ¾ slot. Fastball played with varying action, occasional run, sink, showed control around the zone, 85-86 mph, topped at 87 mph. Power slider is sharp, late action, 10/4 shape, showed feel for zone, plus pitch, swing and miss type, 79-80 mph. Changeup sinks, showed feel at bottom of zone, near fastball arm speed, 82-83 mph. High leverage reliever profile at the next level.

5. Ernie Day, RHP/INF, Taft, 2020
6-foot-3, 205-pound, athletically-built, strong, two-way prospect. Right-handed pitcher, stuff and velocity continue to ascend. Tall and fall delivery, works on-line, lands square and smooth rhythm throughout with regular effort. Loose, extremely quick arm action from a high ¾ to over-the-top window. Fastball, live through the hitting zone, late arm-side action, sat 86-89 mph, touched 90. Changeup, lowers slot, maintains arm speed, arm-side-run and sinking action, thrown for strikes, 77-80 mph. Curveball, thrown aggressively, sharp 11/5 action, 72-75 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, loose hands, uphill bat path and 93 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, winds up on release, loose arm action and throws topped at 88 mph across. 7.36 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

6. Logan Tabeling, RHP, Tuscola, 2020
Wright State commit. 5-foot-11, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, thick build, barrel chested. Starting pitcher profile, excellent mound presence and moxy. Tall and fall delivery, lands square, works on line, repeatable delivery, easy effort. Arm action is long and quick, high ¾ slot. Fastball pounds the zone, late run and sink, sat 85-87 mph, touched 88 mph. Curveball is sharp with depth, 12/6 plane, swing and miss type pitch, fastball arm speed, above average feel, 72-75 mph. Changeup sinks to arm side, 81-82 mph, near fastball arm speed.

7. Patrick Straub, RHP, Metea Valley, 2020
6-foot-3, 175-pound right-handed pitcher, lean athletic frame, sloped shoulders. Simple delivery, low effort, low balance point, lands on line, closed toe. Arm action is short and loose, hooks back side, quick arm out of high ¾ slot. Fastball runs to arm side, showed feel around the zone, sat 87-88 mph, touched 89 mph. Curveball is firm, late action on 10/4 plane, 77-78 mph. Showed feel and confidence in changeup, hard sinking action, fastball arm speed, 79-80 mph.

8. Holden Phelps, RHP, Prairie Ridge, 2020
6-foot-5, 195-pound right-handed pitcher, extra-large frame, projectable. Tall and fall delivery, works slightly across his body, lands square, regular effort. Arm action is long and loose, live quick arm, high ¾ slot. Fastball showed slight run to arm side, feel for the zone, sat 87-88 mph. Slider played 10/4, near fastball arm speed, 75-78 mph. Changeup played deceptive, fading action down in the zone, with feel, 80-82 mph.

9. Jake Kuntzendorf, RHP, Aurora Christian, 2020
Purdue commit. 6-foot-2, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, large frame, sturdy build. Slight drop and drive style delivery, wide toe lift balance point, lands square, long stride, some effort. Arm action is long and loose, live arm, over the top slot. Fastball is straight, four seam life, late finish through the zone, sat 86-88 mph, touched 89 mph. Curveball flashed tight downer action, 11/5 shape, 73-76 mph. Slider tends to act similar to curveball, ranged 74-80 mph. Changeup thrown with fastball arm speed, 82-83 mph, showed feel for the zone.

10. Breck Nowik, RHP/INF, Lake Forest, 2020
6-foot-2, 185-pound, athletically-built, projectable, two-way prospect. Has added 20 pounds to his frame in half a year and has made big strides on the mound since our last look. Right-handed pitcher, deliberate, segmented, repeatable delivery, stays closed down the mound and lands square. Short draw out of the glove, quick arm action, ¾ slot and loose out front. Fastball, late run action, worked up in the zone at times, sat 85-87 mph, touching 88. Curveball, sharp 11/5 action, tight spin, potential swing-and-miss pitch moving forward, 71-74 mph. Changeup, feel for the bottom of the zone, sinking action, 76-79 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, wide setup, gets separation, short leg-kick trigger, fluid rhythm and line-drive, opposite field approach. 93 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, steady hands, quick release, loose arm action, ¾ slot and throws topped at 85 mph. 7.15 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

10. Isaiah Jackson, RHP/OF, Champaign Central, 2020
6-foot-5, 185-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, high-waisted upside frame, oozes athleticism. On the mound, works with tempo, hip leads down the mound, foot strikes in-line and heel first, pop up finish, smooth rhythm. Short, loose arm action, quick out front, high ¾ slot. Electric arm speed on fastball, flashed late run and tilt, 86-92 mph, topped 93 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, slows arm, 59-66 mph. Changeup slight fade, some arm speed, 69-72 mph. Gets to max speed easily, long strides, 6.63 60-yard dash. Defensively plays through the ball, clean exchange, pats glove. Arm is loose and quick, high ¾ slot, ball comes out firm, throws carried 92 mph from the outfield. At the plate, open, tall setup, slight wrap load, long stride. Looseness in hands, uphill path, rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 95 mph from a tee.

Best of the Rest (Listed alphabetically)

Cole Anderson, LHP, St. Laurence, 2020
6-foot-2, 185-pound left-handed pitcher, advanced frame, athletic build. Slight drop and drive delivery, lands square, loose uptempo actions. Long arm action, slight plunge on back side, high ¾ slot. Fastball runs late to arm side, 80-81 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, gradual action, 66-69 mph. Slider is 2/8, separates itself from curveball, 71-74 mph. Changeup fades, near fastball arm speed, 71-72 mph.

Vince Borrelli, RHP, Andrew, 2020
6-foot-0, 175-pound right-handed pitcher, strong muscle bound build. Compact delivery, works with effort, lands square, closed toe, athletic finish. Arm strength pitcher, long firm arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball runs to arm side, 83-86 mph. Curveball flashed sharp action, mostly deliberate depth, 67-68 mph. Good feel for changeup, sinks and fade to arm side, fastball arm speed, 75-77 mph. Slider played tighter than curveball, 10/4 shape, 74 mph.

Connor Cassady, RHP, Lyons Township, 2020
6-foot-4, 200-pound right-handed pitcher, wide shoulder, long legged frame. Methodical delivery, smooth rhythm, swings into squared landing. Arm action is long and firm, high ¾ slot. Fastball is straight, slight action to arm side, feel for the zone, 82-84 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, dropped for strikes, 66-68 mph. Changeup sat 74-76 mph, occasional deceleration.

Drew Detmers, RHP, Chatham-Glenwood, 2020
6-foot-2, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, average build. Delivery is on line, closed toe landing, upright finish. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot, slight effort. Fastball flashed slight cut action, topped at 83 mph, sat 81-82 mph. Curveball showed 11/5 shape, gradual action with depth, 67-69 mph. Showed feel for changeup, slight fading action, 69-74 mph.

Austin Divello, RHP, Oak Park-River Forest, 2020
5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed pitcher, smaller frame with athletic build and strength. Athletic full wind up delivery, drop and drive type, works slightly across body. Arm action is long and loose, quick arm speed, high ¾ slot. Showed feel for multiple pitches, starting pitcher type profile. Fastball played with late cut action, feel for the zone, sat 82-85 mph, touched 86 mph. Curveball has depth, 12/6 shape, 71-72 mph. 10/4 plane slider, short tight action, 74-77 mph. Changeup cuts, 78-79 mph, fastball similar arm speed.

Logan Durling, RHP, Plainfield North, 2020
6-foot-3, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, thin lanky frame, projectable build. Tall and fall delivery, high front side, slight shoulder tilt, low effort. Arm action separates early, draws short and gets loose out front, high ¾ slot. Fastball cuts, 81-83 mph. Curveball plays 12/6, above average offering, 69-71 mph. Changeup is firm, slight sinking action, 77-81 mph.

Michael Ellingsen, RHP, Loyola Academy, 2020
6-foot-1, 205-pound right-handed pitcher, thick sturdy frame, strong lower half. Uptempo delivery, lands square, closed toe, balanced finish. Short arm action, over the top slot. Fastball is straight, showed tilt at times, ability to control the zone, 83-84 mph. Slider was best secondary offering, flashed sharp 11/5 shape, 72-74 mph. Curveball worked 12/6, 66-69 mph.

Jack Feely, RHP, Normal University, 2020
6-foot-0, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, strong build on compact frame, athletic body type. Athletic delivery, works uptempo, works directional landing closed, finishes to first base side, regular effort. Arm action is long and quick, arm strength over arm speed, ¾ slot. Fastball runs to arm side, firm heavy finish, 86-87 mph, touched 88 mph. Slider plays 10/4, near fastball arm speed, 71-73 mph, occasional back up action. Changeup showed feel, varying action, 80-81 mph.

Ben Gerl, LHP, Lincoln-Way West, 2020
6-foot-0, 180-pound left-handed pitcher, solid sturdy build with strength. Delivery works across his body, closed front side, lands square, regular effort. Clean loose arm action, over the top slot. Fastball is mostly straight, showed control around the zone, 82-84 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, light early action, 62-64 mph. Slider showed feel and harder action, 71-72 mph. Changeup is mostly straight, occasional fade, 73-74 mph.

Thomas Giese, RHP, Huntley, 2020
6-foot-4, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, lean lanky frame. Delivery works with lower effort, tall and fall type, rotational at landing. Arm action has length, firm high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball showed run, topped at 83 mph, 80-82 mph. Slider is 10/4 shape, 67-73 mph, flat lateral action. Changeup is showed above average fade, 72-76 mph, near fastball arm speed.

Connor Gill, RHP, Oswego East, 2020
6-foot-0, 170-pound right-handed pitcher, lean athletic frame, wiry and loose. Delivery has effort through release, tall balance point, toe down, swings into squared landing. Arm action is long and loose, quick arm, over the top slot. Fastball action is straight, four seam type, occasional tilt and life through the zone, sat 85-87 mph. 12/6 curveball, early action at times, 71-73 mph. Changeup runs to arm side, fastball arm speed, controlled the zone, 80-82 mph.

Micah Gouwens, RHP, Brother Rice, 2020
6-foot-1, 165-pound right-handed pitcher, wide squared shoulders, gangly levers. Cross body delivery, lands closed, methodical to release. Arm action draws short, loose out front, ¾ slot. Fastball ranged 80-85 mph. Breaking ball showed big lateral action, 10/4 shape, slurve type, 64-67 mph. Changeup ranged 73-78 mph.

Jonathan Hanscom, RHP, Mundelein, 2020
5-foot-10, 150-pound right-handed pitcher, wiry frame. Stretch only delivery, drop and drive type, showed repeatability and feel. Arm action is long and loose, ¾ slot. Fastball runs to arm side, flashed late action, sat 84-85 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, slurve type, sharp action, fastball arm speed, dropped for strikes. Changeup has arm side action and sink, fastball arm speed, 69-73 mph.

Tyler Heidkamp, LHP, Oswego East, 2020
5-foot-10, 160-pound left-handed pitcher, average frame. Pitchable southpaw, delivery has tempo, lands square, tall and fall type. Arm action is long and loose, high ¾ slot, above average arm speed. Fastball showed improved velocity, touched 86 mph, sat 83-84 mph, played firm with run to arm side, above average control. Slider plays 2/8, gradual action, 72-74 mph. Throws changeup with fastball arm action, 72-75 mph.

Eben Heine, RHP, Plainfield North, 2020
6-foot-1, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, proportional build. Tall and fall delivery, slight cross body, closed toe landing, some effort, occasional recoil finish. Arm action is quick, slight reach on back side, high ¾ slot. Fastball runs to arm side, worked down and showed feel, 86-87 mph. Slider plays 10/4, sharp action, fastball arm speed, 73-75 mph. Changeup sinks, fastball arm speed, 75-79 mph.

Jacob Kampf, RHP, Lockport, 2020
6-foot-2, 170-pound right-handed pitcher, slender lanky frame, loose levers. Tall and fall delivery, works on line, lands square, in rhythm and on time, ability to repeat. Clean arm action, live and loose, above average arm speed, high ¾ slot. Fastball jumps out of the hand at times, good feel and above average life in the zone, 84-86 mph. Curveball is sharp, tight depth and shape, 12/6 plane, showed ability to drop for strikes, 71-72 mph. Changeup sinks to arm side, 78-81 mph.

Dax Meyer, RHP, Willowbrook, 2020
6-foot-2, 205-pound right-handed pitcher, large build, strong lower half. Tall and fall delivery works smooth and on line, closed landing. Arm action is long and loose, ¾ slot. Fastball played with heavy sink, controlled the zone, sat 83 mph, touched 84 mph. Slider plays 10/4 shape, fastball arm speed, 75-78 mph. Changeup is firm, sinks, fastball similar, 79-81 mph.

Connor Morrison, LHP, Lake Forest, 2020
5-foot-11, 170-pound left-handed pitcher, strong build. Delivery works with effort, methodical through balance point, squared landing. Arm action is long, wrapped on back side, fast arm strength, high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed cut, pulls it at times, showed feel for the zone, sat 85-86 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, tight spin, played with sharp action, feel for zone, 72-75 mph. Changeup thrown with fastball arm speed, 81-83 mph.

Jared Novak, RHP, Benet, 2020
6-foot-4, 200-pound right-handed pitcher, extra-large frame with projection, long loose levers. Tall and fall delivery, regular effort, in rhythm and on line, squared landing. Arm action is long and loose, high ¾ slot, lively projectable arm action. Fastball played straight, 84-85 mph, finished hard when down. Curveball has 11/5 shape, gradual action, short tight shape, 70-73 mph. Changeup has fastball arm speed, aggressive with the pitch, 76-80 mph.

Adam Pottinger, LHP, Deerfield, 2020
6-foot-0, 170-pound left-handed pitcher, athletic build. Hip loads at top of delivery, low effort, smooth rhythm. Short loose arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball is straight, controlled the zone, 79-81 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, short break, 74-75 mph. Slider sweeps, 2/8 shape, 74-76 mph. Changeup has slight fade action, 72-75 mph.

Jackson Powell, RHP/OF, Normal University, 2020
6-foot-4, 200-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, athletic frame with upside. On the mound, methodical delivery, up-down-and-out, short stride in-line to home, lands square, abbreviated finish. Full arm swing, high ¾ slot. Fastball action varied, cut and run, has tilt, sat 82-83 mph, topped 84 mph, Curveball, 11/5 shape, flashed sharp at times, 68-71 mph. Changeup, some sink with arm speed, 78-79 mph. Defensively, plays through the ball with steady hands. Arm plays long and loose, high ¾ slot, throws topped 85 mph from the outfield. At the plate, open, tall setup, toe tap trigger. Path works long and uphill, looks to lift, some rhythm. Present bat speed, exit velocity topped 93 mph from a tee. 7.49 runner in the 60.

Caleb Pyrz, RHP/OF, Champaign Central, 2020
6-foot, 170-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, athleticism in frame. Simple delivery on the mound, sturdy balance, sit on back side, heel landing in-line to home, rhythm throughout. Arm plays loose, quick out front, high ¾ slot, easy effort. Fastball, arm side run in the zone, sat 84 mph. Slider, 10/4 shape, sharp at times with arm speed, 71-76 mph. Changeup, played straight and firm, 78-81 mph. Defensively plays through the ball, soft hands, tall at release. Short and loose arm action, clean high ¾ slot, throws carried 85 mph from the outfield. At the plate, even setup, short stride, balance maintained. Short bat path, throws his hands, line drives middle/opposite field, exit velocity topped 81 mph from a tee. 7.28 runner in the 60.

Philip Reinhardt, LHP, Valmeyer, 2020
6-foot-0, 175-pound left-handed pitcher. Clean, low effort delivery, lands square, rotational at landing, finishes to third base side. Arm action is loose, ¾ slot. Fastball runs with little effort, showed control, 76-78 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, dropped for strikes, 64-66 mph. Changeup fades to arm side, with feel, fastball arm speed, 68-70 mph. Showed above average feel for three pitches.

Drew Rudsinski, RHP, Tri-Valley, 2020
6-foot-3, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, lanky, long levered frame, lean build. Athletic delivery, loose actions, smooth down the hill, high front side. Arm action is long and loose, live arm, high ¾ slot, easy effort. Fastball runs late in the zone, showed above average feel, sat 84-85 mph, topped at 86 mph. Slider is firm, tight 11/5 shape, 77-78 mph. Changeup sinks, fastball similar arm action, controlled the zone well, 76-77 mph. Curveball worked 70-73 mph, similar shape to slider.

Max Rundberg, LHP, Chicago Bulls College, 2020
5-foot-10, 150-pound left-handed pitcher, lean athletic frame. Delivery works on line, clean and compact, easy effort. Arm action is short, high ¾ slot. Fastball topped at 81 mph, sat 78-80 mph, slight arm side run. Curveball has 1/7 shape, sharp action, tight with depth, dropped for strikes, 66-69 mph. Changeup is straight, near fastball arm speed, 70-74 mph.

Matthew Salomonson, RHP, Notre Dame, 2020
6-foot-2, 195-pound right-handed pitcher. High front side delivery, short stride, deliberate action, slight cross body. Arm action is long and firm, arm strength from and over the top slot, above average feel for three pitches. Fastball plays with tilt, straight action, showed feel for the zone, sat 84-86 mph, touched 87 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, showed feel, near fastball arm speed, 75-76 mph. Changeup fades, fastball arm speed, showed control, 79-81 mph.

Mitchel Sampson, RHP, Galesburg, 2020
6-foot-2, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, strong athletic frame, sloped shoulders. Cross body delivery, drop and drive type, aggressive uptempo, lands hard and finishes to first base side. Arm action is long and loose, quick arm, high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 84-86 mph, showed feel, slight angle. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 66-68 mph, above average offering with gradual action. Changeup sinks, near fastball arm speed, 74-75 mph.

Joel Sarver, RHP/INF, Champaign Central, 2020
6-foot-1, 180-pound, athletically-built, sloped shouldered, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, smooth delivery, finishes on-line and lands square. Loose arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball thrown for strikes, slight arm-side-run and sat 83-84 mph, touching 85. Curveball, 11/5 shape, feel, 72-74 mph. Changeup, sinking action, sharper out of the stretch, 70-73 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced open setup, leg-lift timing trigger, short bat path, line-drive, gap-to-gap approach and 90 mph exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, steady hands, works through the baseball, throws from multiple angles and topped at 85 mph across the diamond. 7.45 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Christopher Seropian, LHP, St. Laurence, 2020
6-foot-0, 165-pound left-handed pitcher, lean frame. Works with tempo, high front side, lands square, and works online, some effort. Long arm action, over the top slot. Fastball is mostly straight, flashed slight run, showed above average feel, 80-82 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, near fastball arm speed, short break, dropped for strikes, 65-67 mph. Changeup played down with fade action, fastball arm speed, 72-74 mph.

Rohan B. Shah, INF/RHP, Lyons Township, 2020
6-foot-3, 181-pound, long-limbed, two-way prospect, with plenty of room for continued physical development. Ran a 6.99 laser-timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, straight back rocker step, linear delivery, works on-line and lands square. Long, loose arm action, from a high ¾ slot with effort at times. Fastball, works mostly straight, occasional run, sat 83-85 mph, touched 86. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 68-70 mph. Changeup, ranged between 71-74 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, toe-tap stride and utilizes lower half. Strong hands, long bat path and 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, winds up on release, long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 84 mph.

Joseph Shapiro, LHP, Glenbrook South, 2020
6-foot-0, 180-pound left-handed pitcher. Tall and fall delivery, toe lifts into balance position, open side stride, heel lands first at foot strike, balance finish. Arm action is long, clean easy arm speed, high ¾ slot. Fastball is mostly straight, controlled the zone with tilt, works downhill, 81-84 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, tight at times, showed ability to spin it, dropped for strikes, 73-76 mph. Changeup fades, near fastball arm speed, 76-77 mph. Showed feel for three pitches, starters profile.

Will Tenuta, RHP, Carl Sandburg, 2020
6-foot-1, 160-pound right-handed pitcher, lean projectable frame, slender build, live body. Delivery repeats and works directional, smooth tempo, athletic finish. Arm action is loose and live, extension and clean release out front, high ¾ slot. Fastball has natural cut action, occasionally late in the zone, showed control, 83-85 mph. Plus potential curveball, late biting action on 12/6 plane, dropped for strikes, 70-74 mph. Straight changeup, fastball arm speed, 79-82 mph.

Michael Vallone, LHP, Lake Forest, 2020
6-foot-0, 165-pound left-handed pitcher. Deceptive delivery, drifts to hard landing, squared to target. Short draw arm action, high front side, loose out front, high ¾ slot. Fastball runs slightly to arm side, 80-81 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, gradual action, 63-66 mph. Straight changeup, near fastball arm speed, 73-75 mph, down in the zone.

Dylan Wolff, RHP, Joliet West, 2020
6-foot-3, 195-pound right-handed pitcher, proportional build. Delivery loads on back side with high front side, should tilt, lands square, closed toe, balanced finish. Arm action is long and loose, quick arm out of high ¾ slot, some effort. Fastball is straight, heavy feel at times, sat 86-87 mph, played firmer. Curveball has 11/5 shape, flashed sharp action, 67-70 mph. Changeup has feel, flashed plus action, sinks, fastball arm speed, controlled the zone, 75-77 mph.

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